Calvin H. Merrifield's Obituary
Calvin H. Merrifield passed away Monday, February 20, 2023, at his home in Pittsburg, Kansas, after contracting Covid19, at the age of 95. He was born November 20, 1927, in Warrensburg, MO, to Frank and Clara Merrifield. His father passed away when was very young, and, growing up during the Great Depression, he and his sister, Juanita, would entertain the public by singing, dancing, and playing instruments. An excellent student, he graduated high school early, at the age of 14.
One of his early pursuits was selling day-old bread in New York City. He flourished in this business with his charisma, but was denied partnership in the company, only because he was not part of their religion. He joined the Marines as soon as he was able, serving with, and becoming friends with George C. Scott. While serving his country in Germany, he met Rebecca Regar, and was smitten. During his time in the Marines, he was an expert marksman, taught English, and taught rocket grenade lessons to his fellow soldiers. At the end of his deployment, he was offered a position with the US Secret Service. He respectfully declined.
He brought Rebecca home to the US, and they married soon after. They lived in Wyoming before moving to Missouri, where he used the G.I. Bill to get his degree in Psychology at Mizzou. During these years, he was an award-winning trumpet player, taught English in Kansas City, and even beat the state Chess Champion. Finally settling in Pittsburg, Kansas, they had three sons: Frank, Mark, and Paul. The entire family took trips to Europe and Africa in the 1960s, while the boys were young. Calvin and Rebecca loved throwing parties at their home.
Calvin was a professor of Psychology at Pittsburg State University until his retirement in the late 1980s. During his career, he was one of the pioneers of Biofeedback and RET (Rational Emotive Therapy). He also had a private practice in Pittsburg until his retirement in 1993. He was also involved in the rehabilitation of falcons and eagles, and enjoyed fishing, hunting, and camping with family. His retirement years were spent traveling the country, listening to Jazz, and he enjoyed gambling with friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Juanita (Merrifield) Forrest, and his beloved wife Rebecca. Survivors include his three sons, Frank, Mark, and Paul (Joanne), of Pittsburg, along with many former colleagues, students, and friends.
There was cremation, and, per his wishes, there will be no service. His ashes will be spread on the property, as were Rebecca’s.
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